This is a study to test lozenges of interferon-alpha that are dissolved in the mouth as a treatment of oral warts in HIV-positive adults.

The hypothesis of this study is that interferon-alpha will be safe and that a higher percentage of subjects given interferon-alpha will experience a complete or nearly complete remission of their oral warts compared to subjects given placebo.

200 mg lozenges containing anhydrous crystalline maltose taken three times per day for 24 weeks

Other Names:

maltose

sugar pill

Detailed Description:

Human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause warts to form in the mouth of infected patients, particularly those with reduced immunity such as people infected with HIV. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether interferon-alpha, delivered in low doses via orally dissolving lozenges, can reduce or eliminate these warts in HIV+ subjects who are receiving combination anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). All potential subjects will have their warts examined and measured at a screening visit. A small amount of one wart (i.e. a biopsy) will be removed for microscopic evaluation to confirm HPV infection and a small amount of blood will be collected for testing. Subjects that qualify for entry will return for a baseline visit at which they will be randomized to active or placebo treatment for 24 weeks. Three out of four subjects will receive active treatment in this study. Subjects must return to the clinic every 6 weeks during treatment to have their warts re-examined. At these follow-up visits, subjects will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire regarding any perceived changes in their warts and their overall mouth condition. A small amount of blood will be taken at the final study visit at week 24 to assess the safety of the interferon lozenges.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Must have tested positive for HIV.

Must have two or more warts inside the mouth.

Must be receiving a standard course of anti-retroviral therapy (HAART).

Exclusion Criteria:

Must not be receiving oral or injected steroids.

Must not be taking other drugs for treatment of oral warts.

Must not have other active HIV-related opportunistic infections.

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00454181